The Senkaku Islands dispute is a territorial dispute between Japan, China, and Taiwan regarding the Senkaku Islands (Daiyou in Chinese) in the East China Sea. Tensions flared when Japan nationalized these uninhabited islands in September 2012. For the years to come, Chinese ships and aircraft would infringe Japan's sovereign EEZ resulting in intercepts and chases. The United States has stated it will not take sides in a conflict and urged all parties involved to come up with a peaceful solution, however, military analysts think the U.S. would be undoubtedly involved due to its alliance and defense pact with Japan. Japan has already been conducting marine, naval, air, and amphibious exercises within the area - often times along with the United States.